Zapping the brain to boost motivation in seniors
NCT ID NCT05232877
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle electrical brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with cognitive training on a tablet, can reduce apathy in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Apathy is a lack of motivation and interest that can affect daily life. The trial involves 27 participants aged 65 and older who will receive either real tDCS plus training or a sham (fake) version over 12 sessions in 4 weeks. The goal is to see if this combination can improve emotional engagement, initiative, and interest.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to ease apathy in older adults with mild cognitive problems, improving motivation and daily function.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study with only 27 participants, so results may not apply widely. The effect of tDCS can be subtle, and the sham group may also improve.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Centre Memoire Ressources et Recherche, CHU de Nice
Nice, 06000, France